Big Growth in US Industrial Automation – Engineering.com
The United States is showing renewed momentum in industrial automation, with new quarterly figures pointing to a sharp rise in spending on robotics, intelligent machinery and other physical AI technologies.
Investment during the third quarter increased by nearly 25% compared with the same period previously measured. The strongest expansion came from the semiconductor and electronics industries, where spending doubled. That surge reflects continued demand for advanced manufacturing systems capable of improving precision, output and production flexibility.
Several other sectors also recorded significant gains. Automotive suppliers, plastics and rubber manufacturers, life sciences companies, pharmaceutical producers and metalworking businesses all increased their investment in automation equipment.
The results indicate that automation is no longer limited to traditional factory robots. Modern facilities are increasingly adopting connected production systems, machine vision, autonomous equipment and software-driven controls. These technologies share similarities with the physical AI systems emerging in robotics and virtual reality research, where machines interpret their surroundings and respond to changing conditions.
One major exception was the food and consumer goods category, which experienced a decline of slightly less than 24%. The drop contrasts with the broad growth seen across most industrial segments and may reflect shifting consumer demand, inventory adjustments or delayed equipment purchases.
Overall, the figures point to a strengthening US manufacturing sector. Companies appear willing to spend on systems that can address labor shortages, increase efficiency and make domestic production more competitive. If the trend continues, automation could become an even more important part of the country’s industrial strategy heading into 2027.
